School doesn’t let woman ref game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas activities officials are investigating an allegation that a religious school refused to let a female referee call a boys high school basketball game.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association said referees reported that Michelle Campbell was preparing to officiate at St. Mary’s Academy near Topeka on Feb. 2 when a school official insisted that Campbell could not call the game. The reason given, according to the referees: Campbell, as a woman, could not be put in a position of authority over boys because of the academy’s beliefs.

The State High School Activities Association said it is considering whether to take action against the private religious school. St. Mary’s Academy is owned and operated by the Society of St. Pius X.